Percent affected animals within each observed group appears to be highly variable

Field observations: Can see all combinations of affected and non-affected does and fawns together.

Hair loss appears to be from self-mutilation

Ecology

Recognized in western Washington deer since 1996-1997, western Oregon since 1998

Wildlife agency staff in both states believe there was a southern expansion of the syndrome through Washington first then down through Oregon. Difficult to quantify due to anecdotal observations over the past 4 years. This syndrome may have been seen earlier in both states.

Common to see "scruffy" deer in late winter and spring due to a variety of causes

Oregon Black-tailed deer: Confirmed cases from the coast to the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. North from the Columbia River, down to Grant’s Pass and suspected cases to Ashland.
Columbia white-tailed deer: Confirmed cases in the Umpqua Valley and north coast, but not reported on the lower Columbia River islands.

Washington Black-tailed deer: Confirmed cases from the coast to the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. North from British Columbia to the Columbia River.
Columbia white-tailed deer: Has not been reported

Seen in both open agricultural and forested habitat

Affected deer seen at lower elevations

Oregon - below 1000 feet

Washington - below 2000 feet

Affects fawns and does, and less commonly adults males

Affected fawns appear to have a higher mortality than affected does

Some field staff in both states very concerned about the small number of fawns regionally seen in late spring.

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